The 2018 divisional champions prevailed 47-13, after trailling 13-12 at the break, at Highbrook Park on Saturday.

While the Heelers enjoy a bye this weekend, the outfit will host its annual Memorial Day on May 18 (versus Griffins), a showdown with Southern Lakes on May 25 and Sponsors Day against Merewether Carlton on June 1.

"This [Memorial Day] is an opportunity for us to honour the memory of players and supporters who have left far too early," club president Michael Hall said.

"We'll conduct an auction after the match, which will include game day jerseys that have been specially-designed.

"All proceeds from the day will go to Motor Neurone Disease NSW.

"In the past, our players, sponsors and supporters have been very generous - and we are hoping they will again dig deep because this cause is close to our hearts."

On the field, Hall hopes the Heelers' emphatic victory kick-starts their season.

"Going into the game, the Mongrels were ahead of us on points differential, so it was nice to overtake them on the ladder," he said.

"We've had a slow start to 2019 but look to be heading in the right direction with the five-try second half performance.

"Highbrook Park was picture perfect.

"Muswellbrook Shire Council has undertaken significant work to the ground, replacing the old retaining wall and fence as well as annual field maintenance.

"Although it keeps the team off the park for the first month of the competition, it is worth the wait to have such a great surface."

Cessnock came out of the blocks on a mission, pressuring the home side early.

The Heelers made a few early mistakes but they were still able to build some phases - and, most importantly, pressure.

Off the back of a penalty for not releasing, Muswellbrook upped the tempo putting the Mongrels on the back foot.

A few phases later, Jason Knox was able to score on the right wing, going in untouched after a few minutes.

The Mongrels hit back soon after.

The Heelers were in possession and inside the attacking 40, when the ball was spilled.

Cessnock jumped on the pill and ran 50m to score under the posts.

This must have rattled the Muswellbrook team as it slipped into a period of missed tackles and handling errors.

Three minutes later, the Heelers were penalised and the Cessnock 10 walked up and knocked over the goal, to extend the margin to 10-5.

With frustration arising, Muswellbrook was on the back foot again and marched a few times for back-chatting the referee.

Another penalty close to the posts saw the Mongrels ahead 13-5.

Just before the break, the Heelers stopped trying to play an expansive game and tightened it up.

On the back of some great runs, just off the ruck, they marched up the field.

Setting up a rolling maul from a lineout, Muswellbrook made easy metres.

Cessnock collapsed the maul and the offender was issued a yellow card.

The Heelers scored shortly after and captain Cameron Young converted from the sideline to reduce the margin to 13-12.

The second half was dominated by Muswellbrook.

Three minutes in and Ben Heriot scored an easy try from a nice inside ball from Young close to the line.

The hosts were playing simple, tight rugby and it kept the scoreboard ticking over.

Muswellbrook's big centres ran freely, thanks to a dominant pack and tight defence.

The Heelers kept the Mongrels scoreless and were able to put on 35 points though five converted tries.

In the final seconds, the game was marred by a serious leg injury to one of the Cessnock players.

And, the club wishes him well in his recovery.

Coach's points: 3 Beau Haywood, 2 Doug Raphael, 1 Cameron Young

Players' player: Beau Haywood